Devices, systems and methods for detecting reversed polarity and/or bootleg grounded electrical outlets

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods for detecting reversed polarity bootleg ground wiring configurations of an electrical outlet are disclosed. For at least one embodiment, a system in includes a test transmitter and a test receiver. The test receiver being configured to detect a ping generated by the test transmitter and determine whether the ping is received via a proper receptacle of an outlet being tested. The system also includes a test receiver configured to determine is a bootleg ground configuration exists using one of time domain reflectometry and/or a resistance based measurement approach. A method for testing an outlet includes one or both of testing for reversed polarity and bootleg ground configurations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein generally relates to devices, systemsand methods for detecting improperly wired electrical outlets. Morespecifically, the technology described herein relates to detectingelectrical outlets which have been wired in one or more of a bootlegground and/or a reversed polarity configuration. Even more specifically,the technology described herein relates to detecting electrical outletswhich have been wired in both a reversed polarity, bootleg ground (RPBG)configuration.

BACKGROUND

Electrical outlets are commonly used in residential and commercialconstruction to provide electrical energy to a powered device. Suchelectrical energy is commonly provided at a given voltage potential,such as 120 Volts Alternating Current (“AC”) in the United States, andwithin a maximum ampere rating for a given electrical circuit to which agiven electrical outlet is wired. Electrical circuits, and outlets usedtherewith, are commonly regulated by one or more electrical codes, suchas the National Electrical Code (“NEC”) used in many jurisdictionswithin the United States. Different electrical codes and/or standardsmay be used in different U.S. and/or non-U.S. jurisdictions, the samebeing collectively referred to herein as the “electrical code” and/or asthe “code.”

An electrical code commonly provides that a given electrical outlet,such as one rated in the U.S. for 120 VAC, and the circuit usedtherewith, is rated at a nominal rated capacity, such as 15 Amperes, anda continuous rated capacity, such as 12 amperes, the latter often being20% less than the former. Per such electrical codes, single phaseelectrical circuits today are commonly configured to include a “ground”conductor line, a “neutral” or “return” conductor line (hereinafter, a“neutral” line) and a “hot” conductor line. Further, such circuits areconfigured to not exceed given ampere ratings by use of circuitbreakers, commonly located in a service panel. During normal conditions,the circuit breaker is configured into a “closed circuit” state whichallows electrical power to flow from a source, such as a maintransmission line, to the one or more outlets on that given electricalcircuit. However, when non-normal or faulty conditions arise, an ampereimbalance between the normally conducting neutral and hot lines isdesirably detected by the circuit breaker which then enters into ashort-circuit state. Such flipping, is commonly referred to as a circuitbreaker having “flipped.” When in the short-circuit state, electricalpower is not provided to the outlet.

During normal conditions, the ground line does not conduct current.During non-normal conditions, however, the ground line providesprotections against hazardous voltage conditions. When such hazardousconditions do arise, the ground line conducts electricity away from thedevice, which results in the detectable imbalance between the currentprovided via the hot line and the return current provided back to thecircuit breaker in the neutral line. In properly wired, electrical codecompliant circuits, this imbalance is detected by the circuit breaker,and when it exceeds a fixed value for a fixed time, the circuit breakerenters into the short-circuit state.

Since at least as early as 1962, the U.S. electrical code and othercodes have required the use of three conductors, i.e., the ground,neutral and hot leads for all thereafter installed 120 VAC circuits and,since 1999, for all thereafter installed 240 VAC circuits. Further, the1962 electrical code specified that the outlets and components usedtherewith must be polarized. That is, the neutral and hot lines arerespectively connected to given receptacles in an electrical outlet,with the neutral receptacle of an outlet being longer than the hotreceptacle. Electrical devices requiring polarized electrical currentsinclude plugs having prongs configured to fit within such correspondingreceptacles. While the ground line is typically connected to the neutralline in the service panel, for purposes of circuit over-voltage andover-current protection, the ground line and the hot line are notconsidered replaceable or combinable.

Yet, many “legacy circuits” exist in buildings (residential andcommercial) that were constructed prior to these dates. In such legacycircuits, a grounding conductor line was not used. Instead, only twoconductors (for single-phase circuits) or three conductor (for dualphase circuits) were used. However, today, non-low voltage electricaldevices commonly include three prong electrical plugs (for 120 VACcircuits) or four prong electrical plugs (for 240 VAC circuits).Electrical outlets also commonly include three or four receptacles (forrespective 120 VAC and 240 VAC circuits).

As shown in FIG. 1A, a code compliant, first circuit configuration 100-Afor a grounded and polarized, 120 VAC outlet properly wired according tothe post-1962 electrical code commonly includes a first/tested outlet104 having neutral, ground and hot receptacles respectively wired to afirst circuit breaker 102 by a first ground line 106, a first neutralline 108 and a first hot line 110. The first circuit breaker 102 may belocated in a service panel in a building, dwelling or other structure(collectively herein, a “building”).

As shown in FIG. 1B, a non-code compliant second circuit configuration100-B may include a bootleg ground configuration wherein a three or fourprong outlet is wired to a legacy circuit line having less than threeconducting lines. Such a configuration is often used to avoid the time,cost and expense that may be needed to run a ground conductin. Instead,a ground jumper 112 is used to connect the ground receptacle of thefirst/tested outlet 104 with the first neutral line 108. As shown, 1stneutral line 108 and the first hot line 110 are electrically connectedto the first circuit breaker 102.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a non-code compliant third circuit configuration100-C may include a configuration wherein a person has inverselyconnected the neutral and hot lines such that a reversed polarityconfiguration exists. That is, the first neutral line 108 is connectedthe hot receptacle of the first/tested outlet 104 and the first hot line110 is connected to the neutral receptacle of the first/tested outlet104. The first ground line 106 is connected to the ground receptacle ofthe first/tested outlet 104. The first ground line 106, first neutralline 108, and first hot line 110 are electrically connected to the firstcircuit breaker 102.

As shown in FIG. 1D, another non-code compliant fourth circuitconfiguration 100-D may include a configuration wherein both a bootlegground configuration and a reversed polarity configuration occur. Thatis, the ground jumper 112 may be connected with the first hot line 110which is improperly connected to the neutral receptacle of thefirst/tested outlet 104, and the first neutral line 108 is improperlyconnected to the hot receptacle of the first/tested outlet 104. Thefirst neutral line 108 and the first hot line 110 are electricallyconnected to the first circuit breaker 102.

In improperly wired, non-code compliant circuits such as those shown inFIGS. 1B and 1D, the electricity will follow the path of leastresistance, which when a ground conductor line back to a circuit breakerin a service panel is not present, may include a user, the electricaldevice itself, or otherwise. Such conditions may result in electricalfires, electrical shocks, and/or other damage to persons and/orproperty. Further, when an outlet is both reversed polarized and bootleggrounded, the ground receptacle will actually be “hot” which presentnon-safe and hazardous conditions.

Likewise, when one of circuits of FIGS. 1B and 1D are used with anelectrical device (such as a satellite receiver) that is electricallyconnected by a second circuit to a properly grounded device (such as asatellite antenna), the second circuit may, effectively, acts as theground circuit. Such second circuit may not be capable of handling theelectrical power provided by a non-code compliant outlet. An example ofsuch a situation may arise when a device, such as a television set-topbox, a computer or otherwise connected to a non-code compliant outlet isalso connected by an Ethernet cable to a router that is connected to acode compliant outlet. Accordingly, a grounded pathway will typicallyarise from the Ethernet cable, which under a fault condition, couldquickly overheat and cause an electrical fire, electrical shocks orother dangerous conditions to occur.

As is well known, various devices exist today for detecting bootlegground configurations and reversed polarized configurations.Specifically, three prong testing devices commonly available canidentify the following conditions: (1) open ground; (2) open neutral;(3) open hot; (4) hot and ground reversed; (5) hot and neutralreversed—as per FIG. 1C; and (6) the correct configuration—as per FIG.1A. However, such testing devices do not detect the bootleg groundconfiguration, as shown above in FIG. 1B, or the reversed polaritybootleg ground configuration, as shown above in FIG. 1D.

Accordingly, a needs exists for devices, systems and methods fordetecting improperly wired electrical outlets, such as outletsconfigured according to the second or fourth circuit configurations.Desirably, such devices, systems and methods do not require a physicalinspection of an outlet to detect such second and fourth circuitconfigurations.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate in general todevices, systems and methods for detecting improperly configuredelectrical outlets. In accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, devices, systems and methods for detecting reversedpolarity and/or bootleg grounded electrical outlets are described.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system fortesting an electrical outlet includes a test receiver and a testtransmitter. The test receiver may include a hot receive prongconfigured for electrical coupling the test receiver with a first hotline of an electrical circuit. The test receiver may also include asignal receiver, coupled to the hot receive prong, configured to detectwhen a ping signal is present on the first hot line. A test transmittermay include a hot test prong configured for electrical coupling the testtransmitter with a second hot line of the electrical circuit. The testtransmitter may also include a signal generator, coupled to the hot testprong, configured to generate the ping signal on the second hot line.For at least one embodiment, the first hot line and the second hot linemay be electrically coupled via the electrical circuit.

For at least one embodiment, a system may be configured for use wherethe first hot line is electrically coupled to a first hot receptacle ofa first electrical outlet and wherein the hot receive prong isconfigured for mating with the first hot receptacle. Further, for atleast one embodiment, when mated, the test receiver may be electricallycoupled to the first hot line via the hot receive prong and the firsthot receptacle.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for usewherein the second hot line is electrically coupled to a second hotreceptacle of a second electrical outlet and wherein the hot test prongis electrically coupled with the second hot line via the second hotreceptacle.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for usewherein the electrical circuit includes at least one circuit breakercoupled to the first hot line and the second hot line. For at least oneembodiment, the electrical circuit may include a main circuit breakercoupling the at least one circuit breaker to an external power line viaa main hot line. For at least one embodiment, the main circuit breaker,when configured in an open-circuit configuration, electrically isolatesthe main hot line from the external power line. For at least oneembodiment, the hot test prong is electrically coupled to the main hotline.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use with atest receiver that includes a neutral receive prong. The neutral receiveprong may be configured for electrical coupling with a first neutralline of the electrical circuit. For at least one embodiment, the signalreceiver may be coupled to the neutral receive prong and configured to:detect when a ping signal is present at the neutral receive prong; andwhen the ping signal is detected at the neutral receive prong generate afirst fault condition signal.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use whenthe first neutral line is electrically coupled to a first neutralreceptacle of the first electrical outlet. For at least one embodiment,the neutral receive prong may be electrically coupled with the firstneutral line via the first neutral receptacle. For at least oneembodiment, a first fault condition signal indicates a reversed polaritywiring configuration exists for the first electrical outlet.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for usewherein the test receiver includes a ground receive prong. The testreceiver may also include a bootleg ground tester, coupled to the groundreceive prong, configured to detect a bootleg ground wiringconfiguration of a first ground line with one of the first hot line andthe first neutral line. The bootleg ground test may also be configuredto, when a bootleg ground wiring configuration is detected, generate asecond fault condition signal.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use with abootleg ground tester that utilizes time domain reflectometry.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use whenthe first ground line is electrically coupled to a first groundreceptacle of the first electrical outlet, the ground receive prong iselectrically coupled with the first ground line via the first groundreceptacle, and the second fault condition signal indicates a bootlegground wiring configuration exists for the first electrical outlet.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use when,upon generation of each of the first fault condition signal and thesecond fault condition signal, the test receiver is further configuredto generate a third fault signal indicating existence of a reversedpolarity bootleg ground wiring configuration for the second electricaloutlet.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use with atest receiver that includes an output module configured to provide ahumanly perceptible output indicative of, when present, the first faultsignal, the second fault signal and the third fault signal.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use when atest receiver includes a wireless communications interface moduleconfigured to communicate, when present, the first fault signal, thesecond fault signal and the third fault signal to a mobile device.

For at least one embodiment, the system may be configured for use whenthe test receiver includes a wireline communications interface moduleconfigured to communicate, when present, the first fault signal, thesecond fault signal and the third fault signal to the test transmitter.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverconfigured for use in testing compliance of an electrical circuit withan electrical code may include a hot receive prong configured forelectrical coupling a test receiver with a first hot line of anelectrical circuit. The receiver may also include a neutral receiveprong configured for electrical coupling the test receiver with a firstneutral line of the electrical circuit. The receiver may also include asignal receiver, coupled to each of the hot receive prong and theneutral receive prong, configured to detect when a ping signal ispresent at either of the hot receive prong or the neutral receive prong,and when the ping signal is detected at the neutral receive prong,generate a first fault condition signal.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverconfigured for use in testing compliance of an electrical circuit withan electrical code may be configured for use when a ping is receivedthat originates from a test transmitter electrically coupled to a secondhot line of the electrical circuit. For at least one embodiment, thefirst hot line and the second hot line may be commonly electricallycoupled to a first circuit breaker.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverconfigured for use in testing compliance of an electrical circuit withan electrical code may be include a ground receive prong configured forelectrical coupling the test receiver with a first ground line of theelectrical circuit. The receiver may also include a bootleg groundtester, coupled to the ground receive prong, configured to: detect abootleg ground wiring configuration of the first ground line with one ofthe first hot line and the first neutral line; and when the bootlegground wiring configuration is detected, generate a second faultcondition signal.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverconfigured for use in testing compliance of an electrical circuit withan electrical code may include an output module, coupled to the signalreceiver and the bootleg ground tester, configured to generate a testresult based upon at least a presence or absence of the first faultcondition signal and the second fault condition signal. The receiver maybe configured for use with an electrical outlet having a neutralreceptacle, a ground receptacle and a hot receptacle. The receiver beingconfigured for electrical connection with each of a first neutral line,a first hot line and a first ground line. For at least one embodiment,during testing, the hot receive prong is electrically coupled to the hotreceptacle, the neutral receive prong is electrically coupled to theneutral receptacle, and the ground receive prong is electrically coupledto the ground receptacle. For at least one embodiment a first faultsignal, when generated, is indicative of a reversed polarityconfiguration for the electrical outlet. For at least one embodiment, asecond fault signal, when generated, is indicative of a bootleg groundconfiguration for the electrical outlet.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverconfigured for use in testing compliance of an electrical circuit withan electrical code may be configured to generate a test result that isone of the test results of Table 1 below.

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method, fortesting an electrical outlet for compliance with an electrical code, mayinclude monitoring a hot receptacle of an electrical outlet for apresence of a ping; monitoring a neutral receptacle of an electricaloutlet for a presence of the ping; and generating a first fault signalwhen the ping is detected at the neutral receptacle. For at least oneembodiment, a first fault signal indicates an electrical circuitcoupling the electrical outlet to a circuit breaker is configured into areversed polarity wiring configuration for the electrical outlet

For at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method, fortesting an electrical outlet for compliance with an electrical code, mayinclude performing a bootleg ground test for the electrical outlet, theelectrical outlet including a ground receptacle. For at least oneembodiment, the method may include generating a second fault signal whenthe bootleg ground test indicates a ground jumper connects the groundreceptacle with the neutral receptacle. For at least one embodiment, themethod may include generating a third fault signal when the bootlegground test indicates the ground jumper connects the ground receptaclewith the hot receptacle. For at least one embodiment, one or more and/oreach of the second fault signal and the third fault signal indicate abootleg ground wiring configuration for the electrical outlet. For atleast one embodiment, generation of the first fault signal with eitherof the second fault signal and the third fault signal indicates areversed polarity bootleg ground wiring configuration for the electricaloutlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, advantages, functions, modules, and components ofthe devices, systems and processes provided by the various embodimentsof the present disclosure are further disclosed herein regarding atleast one of the following descriptions and accompanying drawingfigures. In the appended figures, similar components or elements of thesame type may have the same reference number and may include anadditional alphabetic designator, such as 108 a-108 n, and the like,wherein the alphabetic designator indicates that the components bearingthe same reference number, e.g., 108, share common properties and/orcharacteristics. Further, various views of a component may bedistinguished by a first reference label followed by a dash and a secondreference label, wherein the second reference label is used for purposesof this description to designate a view of the component. When only thefirst reference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any of the similar components and/or views having the samefirst reference number irrespective of any additional alphabeticdesignators or second reference labels, if any.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a first circuit configuration having aCode compliant configuration.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a second circuit configuration havinga non-code compliant bootleg ground configuration.

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a third circuit configuration having anon-code compliant reverse polarity configuration.

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a fourth circuit configuration havinga non-code compliant reverse polarity bootleg ground (“RPBG”)configuration.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first testing scenario and resultsarising from testing a Code compliant/first configuration, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first testing scenario and resultsarising from testing a non-Code compliant outlet bootleg ground/2ndconfiguration, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first testing scenario and resultsarising from testing a non-Code compliant outlet reverse polarized/3rdconfiguration, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first testing scenario and resultsarising from testing a non-Code compliant outlet reverse polarized,bootleg ground (RPBG)/4^(th) configuration, in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process for testing an electricaloutlet for bootleg ground and/or reverse polarized configurations, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments described herein are directed to devices,systems and methods for detecting non-Code compliant bootleg groundand/or reverse polarized configurations. For at least one embodiment,such devices, systems and methods facilitate the testing of anelectrical outlet without requiring the removal of electrical outletcover plates and/or removal of an electrical outlet from a wallenclosure or otherwise.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, and in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present disclosure, a system for testing an electrical outletincludes a test transmitter 220 and a test receiver 230. The testtransmitter 220 may include a transmit power source 222, such as abattery, a signal generator 224, a ground test prong TG, a hot testprong TH, and a neutral test prong TN. The test prongs TG, TH and TN areconfigured for insertion into a second/transmit outlet 200, with atleast the hot test prong TH being configured from an electricallyconductive material. The hot test prong TH is electrically coupled to asignal generator 224.

For at least one embodiment, one or more of the ground test prong TG andthe neutral test prong TN may be configured from non-electricallyconductive, insulating materials and may be provided to ensure a firmand proper physical connection of the test transmitter 220 with thesecond/test outlet 200. The signal generator 224 is configured togenerate and output to the second/transmit outlet 200, via the hot testprong TH, an electrical “ping” signal. The ping signal may be a steadytone, a wavering or varying tone, a repeating pattern, or otherwise. Inat least one embodiment, the signal generator 224 is configured for usewith known Powerline Communications (PLC) technologies. For at least oneembodiment, the signal generator 224 may be configured to generate aunique electrical signal having a repeating pattern operating in afrequency range of 30 to 50 MHz. It is to be appreciated, that otherfrequency ranges may be used, but, frequencies less than 100 MHz may bemore subject to interference from noise on powered circuit lines. Theelectrical signal generated by the signal generator 224, for at leastone embodiment, may be a low voltage signal which is defined herein as asignal having a voltage of 12 volts direct current (DC) or less.However, other voltages, in either DC or AC format, may be used in otherembodiments of the present disclosure.

For at least one embodiment, the second/transmit outlet 200 iselectrically connected to a second circuit breaker 202. The firstcircuit breaker 102 and the second circuit breaker 202 are electricallyconnected within a building via one or more service panels. Thesecond/transmit outlet 200 is considered a “known” outlet that is knownto be code compliant. Verifying the second/transmit outlet 200 is codecompliant can be accomplished by inspection, a process of testing andelimination of circuits within a building, or otherwise.

As further shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, and in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the system for testing anelectrical outlet includes a test receiver 230 having a receive powersource 232, such as a battery, a signal receiver 234 a bootleg groundtester 236, and input module 238, and outlet module 240, a groundreceive prong RG, a hot receive prong RH, and a neutral receive prongRN. The receive prongs RG, RH, and RN are configured for insertion intothe first/tested outlet 104. For at least one embodiment, each of thereceive prongs RG, RH and RN are configured from electrically conductivematerials. The input module 238 may be configured to permit selection ofone or more test conditions, such as testing for a bootleg groundconfiguration, a reversed polarity configuration and/or a reversedpolarity bootleg ground configuration. Other test conditions may also bespecified for other embodiments.

For at least one embodiment, the test receiver 230 is configured todetect the ping generated by the test transmitter 220. As discussedabove, the test transmitter 220 generates and outputs the ping onto the2^(nd) hot line 220. Such ping desirably propagates through theelectrical circuits commonly electrically coupled to each other via theone or more service panels within a building. The test receiver 230, viathe signal receiver 234, may check one of more of the receptacles in thefirst/tested outlet 104 for the presence of the ping. That is, the firsthot line 110, via the hot receptacle of the first/tested outlet 104, andthe hot receiver prong RH may be checked for the presence of the ping.Further, the first neutral line 108, via the neutral receptacle of thefirst/tested outlet 104, and the neutral receiver prong RN may bechecked for the presence of the ping. Last, the first ground line 106,via the ground receptacle of the first/tested outlet 104, and the groundreceiver prong RG may be checked for the presence of the ping. Dependingon which of these tests returns a positive detection of the ping, thecompliance and wiring configuration of the first/tested outlet 104 canbe determined. The test receiver 230 may be configured to indicate suchtesting condition using the output module 240. The output module 240 maybe configured to convey such test results using any humanly perceptiblesignaling mechanism, such as one or more light-emitting diodes, adisplay screen, audibly, or otherwise. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 anddepending on the wiring configuration of the first/tested outlet 104,one or more reversed polarity and/or bootleg ground and other tests maybe accomplished.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first/tested outlet iselectrically connected to the first circuit 102 in a proper polarityconfiguration, the signal receiver 234 will detect the ping only at thehot receive prong RH and via a circuit formed, at least in part, by thefirst/hot line 110. This result may be presented in a first test results242, as shown in FIG. 2, where the RH prong is indicated as having aping present. Similarly, in FIG. 3, where the first neutral line 108 andthe first hot line 110 are also properly polarized, as connected to thefirst/tested circuit 102, a second test results 244 may indicate the RHprong as having a ping present. Contrarily, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and5, wherein for the third and fourth configurations, the polarity of thehot and neutral lines are reversed, a respective third test result 246and a fourth test result 248, may indicate the absence of the ping atthe RH prong and the presence of the ping at the RN prong. Thus, it isto be appreciated that by use of a test transmitter 220 configured tooutput a ping on the second hot line 210 and use of a test receiver 230configured to detect the presence of the ping on one or more of thefirst neutral line 106 and/or the first ground line 108, a reversedpolarity configuration can be detected.

As discussed above, the test receiver 230 may also be configured todetect bootleg ground configurations. Such configurations may arise withor without a reversed polarity configuration and may be detected solelyby use of the test receiver 230. For at least one embodiment, suchtesting may be conducted using a bootleg ground tester 236 suitablyconfigured for detecting bootleg ground conditions.

More specifically, for at least one embodiment, the bootleg groundtester 236 may be configured to detect bootleg ground configurations byuse of time domain reflectometery (TDR). As is well known, TDR can beused to determine a distance of a discontinuity in an electricalconductor based upon an amount of time needed for an electrical signalto be reflected back, by the discontinuity in such conductor, to atransmitting source. Accordingly, the bootleg ground tester 236 issuitably connected to the ground receive prong RG of the test receiver230 and a discontinuity in the ground line quickly arises at thejunction of a ground jumper 112 with the first neutral line 108 or withthe first hot line 110. It is to be appreciated that for a bootlegground configuration, reflection of the test signal occurs substantiallyimmediately. In comparison, for a non-bootleg/code-compliant groundedcircuit configuration, reflection of the test signal takes asubstantially longer period of time. It is to be appreciated, however,that precise time measurements are not typically not required and anyreflectance of a signal emitted by the bootleg ground tester 236 withinless than a nanosecond and for at least one embodiment less than0.000001 milliseconds will typically be representative of a bootleggrounded configuration for a given electrical outlet.

For at least another embodiment, the bootleg ground tester 236 may beconfigured to detect bootleg ground configurations by use of resistancebased technologies. For example, using each of the ground receive prongRG, the hot receive prong RH, and the neutral receiver prong RN, theresistance of each conducting line for given circuit can be measured.Ideally, each of the conducting lines (ground, neutral and hot) have thesame length and are of the same gauge of wire and each such line shouldhave substantially the same resistance. In the case of a bootleg groundconfiguration, one or more of such conducting lines will have lesslength and thus less resistance than the others. Such resistancedifferences being detectable by the bootleg ground tester 236. When theresistance of any two of ground line and the neutral line as compared tothe hotline, or the ground line and the hot line as compared to theneutral line are not substantially the same, a bootleg groundconfiguration (or other fault condition) likely exists.

As shown in FIG. 2 where in a first configuration 100-A, code compliantcircuit configuration is shown, the first test results 242 may indicatea “pass” condition for each of the RG, RH and RN prongs. Such “pass”condition may be indicated in any desired manner, such as by theactivation or non-activation of one or more light emitting diodes.

As shown in FIG. 3, wherein a second circuit configuration 100-B,bootleg ground properly polarized configuration is shown, the secondtest results 244 may indicate a “fail” condition for the bootleg groundtesting (indicating use thereof) and pass for the reverse polaritytesting.

As shown in FIG. 4, wherein a third circuit configuration 100-C, reservepolarity proper ground circuit configuration is shown, the third testresults 246 may indicate a “fail” condition for the reversed polaritytesting and a pass for the bootleg ground testing.

As shown in FIG. 5, wherein a fourth circuit configuration 100-D,reversed polarity bootleg ground circuit configuration is shown, thefourth test results 248 indicate a “fail” for condition for each of theprongs (RG, RN and RH) indicating failure of both the reversed polaritytesting and the bootleg ground testing.

As further shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the results of the bootleg groundtester 236 may be conveyed to a user using an output module 240.Further, the test receiver 230 may be configured to perform one or moreprior art circuit configuration tests. Accordingly, the output module240 may be configured to show known, prior-art testing results and/orthe new testing results obtainable using an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. For at least one embodiment, such testing results may bevisually represented using light emitting diodes, as show in Table 1,where current testing results detectable using known three-prong testersare indicated by the label “(Prior Art)” and where the second and fourthcircuit configurations, now testable using an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, are identified by the “(New)” label. Other embodiments maypresent the testing results using other audible, visual or other outputtechnologies.

TABLE 1 Result RG RN RH Open Ground (Prior art) ∘

∘ Open Neutral (Prior art) ∘ ∘

Open Hot (Prior art) ∘ ∘ ∘ Hot/Ground Reversed (Prior art)

∘

Hot/Neutral Reversed (3^(rd) Circuit

∘ Configuration) (Prior art) Correct (1^(st) Circuit Configuration) ∘

(Prior art) Bootleg Ground Proper Polarity (2^(nd)

∘ ∘ Circuit Configuration) (New) Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground (4^(th)

Circuit Configuration) (New)

As shown in Table 1, indicators for the RG, RN and RH lines may useLEDs. For at least one embodiment, different illumination sequences maybe used. For an embodiment, different color LEDs may be illuminated toindicate different test results, such as the RG line being illuminatedin a “red” color when extremely hazardous conditions arise such as thoseprovided by reversed polarity, bootleg ground and/or reversed polaritybootleg ground configurations. It is further to be appreciated thatreversal of the hot and ground conducting lines, though rare, can alsooccur and is readily detectable using one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Further, it is to be appreciated that the system may be used without anymain line power being applied to the outlets at the time of testing,with the transmit power source 222 and receive power source 232providing any power needed to test a given first/tested electricaloutlet 104. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that testing ofelectrical outlets using an embodiment of the devices, systems andmethods of the present disclosure may occur pre or post inspection of anelectrical system by a building inspector or otherwise.

For at least one additional embodiment when an electrical system isunpowered, for example, by a main breaker being open-circuited, the testtransmitter 220 may be connected, for example, via alligator clips orotherwise, to a main hot line connecting the main breaker to one or morecircuit breakers in a service panel. Likewise, multiple test receivers230 may be connected to each of the outlets on a given circuit to detectwhich, if any, are improperly wired. Such a configuration may facilitatemore efficient testing of multiple electrical outlets in a building,with each of two or more outlets being tested in parallel and resultsbeing provided wirelessly to a tester's mobile device. Further, it is tobe appreciated that the providing of the ground prong, hot prong andneutral prongs may include any form or shape. For example, a testreceiver may be configured with one or more prongs adapted for testingvarious wiring configurations, such as those for recessed lightingfixtures, switches, security systems, and otherwise.

For at least one embodiment, a test transmitter 220 may also beconfigured to include an output module (not shown). Such outlet modulemay be configured to convey, via the test transmitter itself, testresults received from one or more test receivers 230. Such test resultsmay be communicated wirelessly to the test transmitter or via the wiringcircuits under test. For at least one embodiment, the non-reception of atest result, by a test transmitter and from a given test receiver 230,may be indicative in and of itself of a wiring issue arising withregards to the outlet to which that given test receiver is thenconnected. Further, to provide test results using the one or more wiringcircuits under test, the test receiver may be configured to transmitdata across the wiring circuit using PLC or other data transmissiontechnologies. The test transmitter may be configured to receive suchcommunications.

Accordingly, a network of test receivers and a test transmitter maybeconfigured which facilitates testing of multiple outlets from a centralnode, and across a plurality of electrical outlet and/or fixturelocations. Such network may be used to identify additional faultsarising in a given building's electrical system, such as a ground faultarising across multiple outlets when a nail pierces a wiring cablefeeding multiple outlets. Such piercing creates a discontinuity that isdetectable across the multiple outlets using TDR or other technologies.Using an embodiment of the present disclosure, such measurements may beused to more precisely locate, within a buildings physical structure,the location of such errant nail.

In FIG. 6, one embodiment of a method for detecting one or more of abootleg ground and/or a reversed polarity configuration of an electricaloutlet is shown. The method starts (as per Operation 600) withidentification of a known outlet, such as a second/transmit outlet 200,and identification of an outlet to be tested, such as first/testedoutlet 104. Ideally, the second/transmit outlet 200 and the first/testedoutlet 104 are electrically coupled via a main or sub-main circuitbreaker in a main or sub-main service panel, as the case may be.

As shown in Operation 602, the method includes connecting a testtransmitter 220 to the transmit outlet 200. As discussed above, the testtransmitter 220 should be connected to the transmit outlet 200 in aproper polarity configuration. Accordingly, the test transmitter 220 mayinclude ground prongs and neutral prongs to ensure such properalignment.

As shown in Operation 604, the method includes connecting of a testreceiver 230 to a first of the first/tested outlet 104. It is to beappreciated that the outlet testing of the present disclosure mayinvolve testing of one or more outlets in a building. Accordingly, FIG.6, such outlets are identified as the “Nth” outlet. However, the methodmay be used with the testing of only a single outlet, as may occur whenan installer seeks to install a single piece of equipment in a building.That is, testing of an entire building may occur but is not required tooccur, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Also, it is to be appreciated that connection of the testreceiver 230 may occur after, before, or otherwise the connection of thetest transmitter 220.

As shown in Operation 604-1, the method may include creating a log entryof the Nth outlet to be tested. Such log entry may be entered in one ormore of any form, such as paper, electronic, audibly (as in a recorder),visually (such as in a camera) or otherwise. For at least embodiment,logs may be created on an installer's mobile device or other device.Such mobile device may be wirelessly coupled to the test receiver, suchas via BLUETOOTH technology or otherwise. Such log entry may be storedin a suitable database for later reference. The log entry may identifydate and time of testing, the tester, the particular Nth outlet tested,outlet location in a building, outlet ampere ratings, condition of theoutlet, condition of the building, or otherwise. Parameters tested, testresults and/or other information may be associated with the log entry.

As shown in Operation 606, the method includes configuring the testtransmitter 220 to send a “ping.” For at least one embodiment, Operation606 may occur automatically and upon connecting of the test transmitter220 to the second/test outlet. For at least one embodiment, Operation606 may occur upon powering on, selecting of, and/or other configuringof the test transmitter 220 to send the ping. Such configuring may occurautomatically, manually, or otherwise. For example, a test transmitter220 may be wirelessly connected to a test receiver 230 and instructed bythe test receiver 220 to send different types of pings. Such differenttypes of pings may be needed when electrical circuits in a building haveother signals, including noise, propagating on them. Such differenttypes of pings may be used to uniquely, as desired, identify the pingtransmitted by the test transmitter 220 from other signals and/or noiseon the electrical system of a building.

As shown in Operation 608, the method includes determining whether theping is received at the hot prong PH of the test receiver 230. If theping is received, such a condition indicates that the hot receptable ofthe Nth outlet then being tested is properly connected to a “hot” line,such as the first hot line 110 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, areversed polarity configuration is not present. The method then proceedsto Operation 610.

As shown in Operation 610, the method may include performing bootlegground and/or other tests. As discussed above, bootleg ground testingmay be accomplished using time domain reflectometry, resistance basedtesting, or other techniques. Further, it is to be appreciated thatbootleg ground testing, as per Operation 610, may occur before reversedpolarity testing, as per Operation 608. Further, for at least oneembodiment, the test receiver may be configured to perform both bootlegground and reversed polarity testing substantially simultaneously.Likewise, other tests of the Nth outlet may be conducted including, butnot limited to, testing for one or more of the conditions identified inTable 1 above. The method may then proceed to Operation 612.

As shown in Operation 612, the method may include determining whetherthe bootleg ground tests and/or other tests pass. When all such testsreturn “pass” ratings, the method proceeds to optional Operation 614,wherein the log may be updated to indicate a “proper” circuitconfiguration for the Nth outlet then under test. When one or more ofsuch tests return a “fail” rating, the method proceeds with optionalOperation 616, wherein the log may be updated to indicate a “fault”circuit configuration. When a “fault” circuit configuration is detected,other actions may also be performed and perhaps required of an installerby business practices, electrical codes, or otherwise. Such otheractions may include open-circuiting a circuit breaker on which thefaulty outlet resides, taping over the outlet, or otherwise. The presentdisclosure is not limited to and may include for one or more embodimentsany such “other actions” if any.

As shown in Operation 618, when the ping is not detected on the hotprong PH of test receiver 230 for the Nth outlet then being tested, themethod may include determining whether the ping is present on theneutral prong PN of the test receiver 230 for the Nth outlet then beingtested. As discussed above, the presence of the ping on the neutralprong indicates a reversed polarity configuration of the Nth outlet thenbeing tested. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that “other actions”such as one or more of those discussed above may be required and/orimplemented given the extremely hazardous condition that reveredpolarity outlets present to persons and property. When such reversedpolarity configuration is detected for a Nth outlet then under test,logging of such condition may occur, as per Operation 620. Such loggingmay be optional and/or required and, for one or more embodiments, mayrequire reporting of such condition to one or more local buildinginspecting and/or regulatory bodies. As shown, other testing may alsooccur, as per Operations 610 to 616.

As shown in Operation 618, the method may result of the ping not beingdetected at either of the hot or neutral prongs of the test receiver.This condition indicates a non-wired outlet or, an outlet having aground receptacle wired to a hot conducting line. Such a configurationshould result in a triggering of the circuit breaker into anopen-circuit configuration. But, absent the same occurring, as may arisefor a faulty circuit breaker, testing of the same can be determined byuse of prior art tests for each of the ground line, hot line and neutrallines being connected (i.e., not “open”). Accordingly, testing for sucha configuration is not shown in FIG. 6 but may occur by use of specifictesting for the same and/or the use of one more other tests perOperation 610.

As shown in Operation 622, the method may include re-testing the Nthoutlet then under test and/or testing another outlet. Retesting may bedesired when further validation is desired and/or a ping is not detectedat the Nth outlet then under test, for example, because of other signalsand/or noise on a given circuit and/or electrical system. Such retestingmay resume with Operation 602. Also, testing of another outlet may bedesired to verify multiple outlets within a dwelling are code complaint(or non-code compliant) configured and/or in an attempt to identify atleast one outlet that is code-compliant configured, which are alsoreferred to herein as being “properly” configured. If additional outlettesting is desired, the method continues with Operation 604.

As shown in Operation 626, the method may terminate with updating logs,taking other actions, and otherwise.

Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, or withreference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in theart could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. The use ofthe terms “approximately” or “substantially” means that a value of anelement has a parameter that is expected to be close to a stated valueor position. However, as is well known in the art, there may be minorvariations that prevent the values from being exactly as stated.Accordingly, anticipated variances, such as 10% differences, arereasonable variances that a person having ordinary skill in the artwould expect and know are acceptable relative to a stated or ideal goalfor one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is also to beappreciated that the terms “top” and “bottom”, “left” and “right”, “up”or “down”, “first”, “second”, “next”, “last”, “before”, “after”, andother similar terms are used for description and ease of referencepurposes only and are not intended to be limiting to any orientation orconfiguration of any elements or sequences of operations for the variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the terms “coupled”,“connected” or otherwise are not intended to limit such interactions andcommunication of signals between two or more devices, systems,components or otherwise to direct interactions; indirect couplings andconnections may also occur. Further, the terms “and” and “or” are notintended to be used in a limiting or expansive nature and cover anypossible range of combinations of elements and operations of anembodiment of the present disclosure. Other embodiments are thereforecontemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only of embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detailor structure may be made without departing from the basic elements ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

Further, a reference to a computer executable instruction includes theuse of computer executable instructions that are configured to perform apredefined set of basic operations in response to receiving acorresponding basic instruction selected from a predefined nativeinstruction set of codes. It is to be appreciated that such basicoperations and basic instructions may be stored in a data storage devicepermanently and/or may be updateable, but, are non-transient as of agiven time of use thereof. The storage device may be any deviceconfigured to store the instructions and is communicatively coupled to aprocessor configured to execute such instructions. The storage deviceand/or processors utilized operate independently, dependently, in anon-distributed or distributed processing manner, in serial, parallel orotherwise and may be located remotely or locally with respect to a givendevice or collection of devices configured to use such instructions toperform one or more operations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for testing an electrical outlet,comprising: a test receiver, comprising: a hot receive prong configuredfor electrical coupling the test receiver with a first hot line of anelectrical circuit; and a signal receiver, coupled to the hot receiveprong, configured to detect when a ping signal is present on the firsthot line; and a test transmitter, comprising: a hot test prongconfigured for electrical coupling the test transmitter with a secondhot line of the electrical circuit; wherein the first hot line and thesecond hot line are electrically coupled via the electrical circuit; anda signal generator, coupled to the hot test prong, configured togenerate the ping signal on the second hot line.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first hot line is electrically coupled to a first hotreceptacle of a first electrical outlet; and wherein the hot receiveprong is configured for mating with the first hot receptacle; andwherein, when mated, the test receiver is electrically coupled to thefirst hot line via the hot receive prong and the first hot receptacle.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second hot line is electricallycoupled to a second hot receptacle of a second electrical outlet; andwherein the hot test prong is electrically coupled with the second hotline via the second hot receptacle.
 4. The system of claim 2, whereinthe electrical circuit includes at least one circuit breaker coupled tothe first hot line and the second hot line; wherein the electricalcircuit includes a main circuit breaker coupling the at least onecircuit breaker to an external power line via a main hot line; whereinthe main circuit breaker, when configured in an open-circuitconfiguration, electrically isolates the main hot line from the externalpower line; and wherein the hot test prong is electrically coupled tothe main hot line.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the test receiverfurther comprises: a neutral receive prong; wherein the neutral receiveprong is configured for electrical coupling with a first neutral line ofthe electrical circuit; and wherein the signal receiver is coupled tothe neutral receive prong and configured to: detect when a ping signalis present at the neutral receive prong; and when the ping signal isdetected at the neutral receive prong generate a first fault conditionsignal.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first neutral line iselectrically coupled to a first neutral receptacle of the firstelectrical outlet; wherein the neutral receive prong is electricallycoupled with the first neutral line via the first neutral receptacle;and wherein the first fault condition signal indicates a reversedpolarity wiring configuration exists for the first electrical outlet. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein the test receiver further comprises: aground receive prong; and a bootleg ground tester, coupled to the groundreceive prong, configured to: detect a bootleg ground wiringconfiguration of a first ground line with one of the first hot line andthe first neutral line; and when the bootleg ground wiring configurationis detected, generate a second fault condition signal.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the bootleg ground tester utilizes time domainreflectometry.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first ground lineis electrically coupled to a first ground receptacle of the firstelectrical outlet; wherein the ground receive prong is electricallycoupled with the first ground line via the first ground receptacle; andwherein the second fault condition signal indicates a bootleg groundwiring configuration exists for the first electrical outlet.
 10. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein upon generation of each of the first faultcondition signal and the second fault condition signal, the testreceiver is further configured to generate a third fault signalindicating existence of a reversed polarity bootleg ground wiringconfiguration for the second electrical outlet.
 11. The system of claim10, wherein the test receiver further comprises: an output moduleconfigured to provide a humanly perceptible output indicative of, whenpresent, the first fault signal, the second fault signal and the thirdfault signal.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the test receiverfurther comprises a wireless communications interface module configuredto communicate, when present, the first fault signal, the second faultsignal and the third fault signal to a mobile device.
 13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the test receiver further comprises a wirelinecommunications interface module configured to communicate, when present,the first fault signal, the second fault signal and the third faultsignal to the test transmitter.
 14. A receiver, for testing complianceof an electrical circuit with an electrical code, comprising: a hotreceive prong configured for electrical coupling a test receiver with afirst hot line of an electrical circuit; a neutral receive prongconfigured for electrical coupling the test receiver with a firstneutral line of the electrical circuit; a signal receiver, coupled toeach of the hot receive prong and the neutral receive prong, configuredto: detect when a ping signal is present at either of the hot receiveprong or the neutral receive prong; and when the ping signal is detectedat the neutral receive prong, generate a first fault condition signal.15. The receiver of claim 14, wherein the ping originates from a testtransmitter electrically coupled to a second hot line of the electricalcircuit; and wherein the first hot line and the second hot line arecommonly electrically coupled to a first circuit breaker.
 16. Thereceiver of claim 14, further comprising: a ground receive prongconfigured for electrical coupling the test receiver with a first groundline of the electrical circuit; and a bootleg ground tester, coupled tothe ground receive prong, configured to: detect a bootleg ground wiringconfiguration of the first ground line with one of the first hot lineand the first neutral line; and when the bootleg ground wiringconfiguration is detected, generate a second fault condition signal. 17.The receiver of claim 16, further comprising: an output module, coupledto the signal receiver and the bootleg ground tester, configured togenerate a test result based upon at least a presence or absence of thefirst fault condition signal and the second fault condition signal;wherein an electrical outlet having a neutral receptacle, a groundreceptacle and a hot receptacle is configured for electrical connectionwith each of the first neutral line, the first hot line and the firstground line; wherein, during testing, the hot receive prong iselectrically coupled to the hot receptacle; wherein, during testing, theneutral receive prong is electrically coupled to the neutral receptacle;wherein, during testing, the ground receive prong is electricallycoupled to the ground receptacle; wherein the first fault signal, whengenerated, is indicative of a reversed polarity configuration for theelectrical outlet; and wherein the second fault signal, when generated,is indicative of a bootleg ground configuration for the electricaloutlet.
 18. The receiver of claim 17, wherein the test result is one ofthe test results of Table
 1. 19. A method, for testing an electricaloutlet for compliance with an electrical code, comprising: monitoring ahot receptacle of an electrical outlet for a presence of a ping;monitoring a neutral receptacle of an electrical outlet for a presenceof the ping; and generating a first fault signal when the ping isdetected at the neutral receptacle; wherein the first fault signalindicates an electrical circuit coupling the electrical outlet to acircuit breaker is configured into a reversed polarity wiringconfiguration for the electrical outlet.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: performing a bootleg ground test for the electricaloutlet, the electrical outlet including a ground receptacle; andgenerating a second fault signal when the bootleg ground test indicatesa ground jumper connects the ground receptacle with the neutralreceptacle; and generating a third fault signal when the bootleg groundtest indicates the ground jumper connects the ground receptacle with thehot receptacle; wherein each of the second fault signal and the thirdfault signal indicate a bootleg ground wiring configuration for theelectrical outlet wherein generation of the first fault signal witheither of the second fault signal and the third fault signal indicates areversed polarity bootleg ground wiring configuration for the electricaloutlet.